Paula Fuga

Paula Fuga is a musician on a mission. Though many play music for the platitudes or acclaim, Paula plays music for a culture, spreading the thoughtful and evocative voice of the Hawaiian people across the world. Not content to be merely a widely respected artist, Paula has taken on the mantle of cultural ambassador—using her talent as an instrument to help bring about positive social change within her islands and beyond: performing at benefit concerts for charter schools, instilling the Hawaiian culture in the generations to come and, generally, being a beacon of the meditative and healing powers of her people. Paula’s debut album “Lilikoi” was met with true astonishment by many in the music business. Who is this Paula Fuga, they wondered. Producing and releasing her own album, a collection of songs that run deep with intensity and emotion—yet widely appealing and accessible—Paula set a new benchmark in independent music production, an album with masterful production and genuine cultural connection that have caused people to sit up and take notice. An amazingly singular voice, both soaring yet nurturing, carefully wrapped with the instruments and sounds of her homeland, standing tall on the pride of her people.

As a Turnaround Artist, Paula will be working with Kamaile Academy Public Charter and Waianae Elementary School in Wai’anae, HI.

ABOUT US

Turnaround Arts is a national program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It was founded in 2011 by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, a White House advisory committee on cultural issues, under the leadership of former First Lady Michelle Obama. The program is based on the premise that high-quality and integrated arts education can strengthen school reform efforts, boost academic achievement, and increase student engagement in schools facing some of the toughest educational challenges in the country.

HOW TO GIVE

We need your help to ensure that every kid in America has access to an education rich in the arts, no matter their zip code.